Single parent households account for a 19 percent increase in the number of families seeking help from the Salvation Army this Christmas.

Following the launch of the Red Shield Appeal last month, Divisional Commander Major Shawn Critch said they were $160,000 away from their $500,000 goal.

Once all the hampers and gift packs are handed out, the Salvation Army would have served at least 3,225 individuals and some 1,400 family units.

According to Divisional Commander Major Shawn Critch, last year the Army assisted 606 single parent households. That number jumped to 721 for Christmas 2013.

Now there’s a last-minute push to reach the fundraising goal and get more toys donated before the main distribution day on Friday.

“We are in our final days of the campaign,” said Maj Critch. “If there are members in the community who would still like to donate a toy to the Anonymous Santa Programme then they have until the close of business on Thursday.”

Overall, he said the response to their appeal for Christmas and their Santa Anonymous Drive has been slow but steady.

“Donations were down substantially, but hopefully we can get it boosted before Friday,” said Maj Critch.

“So far the Christmas Red Shield Appeal has raised $340,000 and we have $160,000 left to go to make the campaign goal.

“The Santa Anonymous has had a significant shortfall this year and we are looking at our options to ensure we have enough toys to meet the needs of some 850 children age 12 and under.

“We are very grateful to one donor who provided us with some 800 toys to help reach our target and we’re still working to fill the gap for an additional 750 toys by Friday.”

The Christmas Red Shield Appeal accounts for at least 45 percent of the Army’s “budgeted annual income to support their social work”.

“It becomes critical that the Christmas Red Shield Appeal achieve its objective,” said Maj Critch. “While our response has been high at just under 20 percent of all individuals and business donors who received an official request from us in mid-November.

“There’s still a significant segment of our potential donor base that we would still like to hear from. Every financial gift is important in helping us reach our goal,” he added.

But for the first time in five years he said there has been a slight decrease in the overall numbers.

“While registration through our main Salvation Army locations in Hamilton, Somerset and St George’s has seen a nine percent increase from 2012, the number of families registered through our partnering agencies has seen about a ten percent decrease.”

He attributed the decrease to “the strategies of two specific agencies that decided to take a different approach in meeting the needs of their clientele”.

Based on the economic realities and demand on services, the Army continues to look for “different ways to help lessen the burden”.

And cross-referencing “in order to have the resources of all of us collectively go further and help as many families as possible” was another key factor.

The size of families in need also increased substantially according to head of the Army’s Family Services team Lynn Gordon. And then there’s the donors who have joined the unemployment line.

“A lot of the people who used to donate are now coming to us for help because they are jobless and a lot of households have doubled up also,” she said.

The Salvation Army also noticed a big increase in the number of people “double dipping” to get more food for their families.

Ms Gordon noted that’s why it’s important to have a system of checks and balances.

“This can be done as long as other agencies are willing to share their list, which happened on a broader scale this year.

“We can assure the public that we are constantly working on this issue that will always be around. And the public needs to be mindful that if you apply for more than one hamper you are taking from someone else who may need it.”

Asked whether there has been a noticeable increase in the numbers of people trying to beat the system she said: “It happens every year.”

But she said “unemployment and the uncertainty of potential employment has created a sense of panic to a degree.

“I think fear may be driving it even more this year as we’re seeing it more than ever before.

“It’s driven by fear of being unemployed for extended periods and the unknown of what’s coming down the pike. The double dippers increased twofold this year,” she said.

“It’s clear that people are getting desperate because they don’t know what the New Year will bring in terms of jobs. Some people are now heading into a second consecutive year of unemployment.

“Some people we’re hoping to have a job before Christmas — it hasn’t happened and they don’t know when it’s going to happen.

“People are more despondent than we’ve ever seen before. The worry and stress for those most affected is real.”

Overall, the Salvation Army has seen increases in demand for help at all three of their distributing centres this year.

Said Maj Critch: “The Christmas Campaign is even more critical when you consider that our 2013 Spring Red Shield Appeal fell short by approximately $60,000 to June.”

As for the joy that Christmas brings for children in particular, he said the Army is “closing in on their goal of 2,550 toys” with just two days to go before distribution day on Friday.

While grateful for the support so far, he issued a final appeal for assistance.

“The gift of a toy creates memories for a lifetime! And our team is working hard to ensure we can meet our goal.

“I would like to express our appreciation to those who have supported the work of The Salvation Army this Christmas — thank you.

“If you have not made your financial donation yet we would be most appreciative to hear from you before the end of December.

“As one of Bermuda’s largest non-governmental provider of social services I would encourage you to be part of our mission in supporting the wider community.”

Toy donations can be dropped off at any of the Army’s financial partners including local banks, or to the Divisional Office on Roberts Avenue in Devonshire.

Financial donations can be mailed to The Salvation Army 2013 Christmas Red Shield Appeal, PO Box HM 2259, Hamilton, HM JX or online to HSBC account 010-202539-001 with an e-mail to Bermuda_Inquiries@can.salvationarmy.org. Or call 292-0601 for more information.